The sTORY OF riTA'S
Hey there, frozen treat enthusiasts!
Welcome to the sweet saga of Rita’s Italian Ice, where the story unfolds from a cozy Philly porch to an absolute worldwide sensation.
Back in 1984, our founder, Bob Tumulo, a former Philly firefighter with a heart as warm as a summer's day, and his mother, Elizabeth, decided to kickstart a small Italian ice haven in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Bob named the venture after his lovely wife, Rita, and boy, it turned out to be a flavor-packed journey!
Picture this: Bob and his mom dished Italian ice from their front porch on a scorching summer day in 1984. Little did they know, they would be kickstarting a chilly Italian ice revolution that would sweep across the globe for over 40 years!
As it turns out, Rita’s Italian Ice wasn’t your ordinary frozen concoction. Bob, the flavor maestro, not only sold Italian ice (or water ice, as the Philly folks call it) and frozen custard but also infused it with real fruit magic. Yep, you heard it right – REAL FRUIT. Inspired by the homemade Italian delight, granita, our icy treats became an instant hit.
From a local hero to an international sensation, Rita’s growth has been as wild as our flavor combos. As of 2024, Rita’s Italian Ice is now in over 500 locations in over 31 American states, mostly in the mid-Atlantic, with a sprinkle of international flair. Talk about a chilly empire!
What makes Rita’s stand out, you ask? Well, aside from the fact that our Italian ices and custards are the perfect remedy for scorching days, they're still made fresh daily, using – you guessed it – real fruit. 🍦
Fast forward to today, and Rita's Ice is still your go-to for a refreshingly cool time. We're still bringing the fun, the flavor, and the deliciousness like it's 1984 – because some things are timeless. So, join us on this frozen adventure, because every scoop is a bite of history and a dash of pure joy.
Rita's: where the ice is always fresh. The vibes are always fun. And the taste is unlike anything else on the planet.
Find your Favorites
International sensation, Rita’s growth has been as wild as our flavor combos. As of 2024, Rita’s Italian Ice is now in over 500 locations in over 31 American states, mostly in the mid-Atlantic, with a sprinkle of international flair. Talk about a chilly empire!
What makes Rita’s stand out, you ask? Well, aside from the fact that our Italian ices and custards are the perfect remedy for scorching days, they're still made fresh daily, using – you guessed it – real fruit. 🍦
our stores
We're starting our relaunch with eight (8) branches in 2024. Subscribe to our newsletter to get first dibs on our ice custard and gelati treats!
Rita's SM Fairview
Lower Ground Floor, SM City Fairview Main MallQuirino Highway corner Regalado Avenue, Barangay Greater Lagro, Quezon City
Rita's Festival Mall
Upper Ground Level, Filinvest Corporate City, Commerce Avenue, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
soon to open
Rita's SM Podium Mall (Opening April 2024)
5th Level, The Podium Mall, 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Rita's SM City Grand Central (Opening April 2024)
Upper Ground Level, SM City Grand CentralRizal Avenue Extension, Grace Park East, Caloocan City
Rita's SM City Sta. Rosa
Lower Ground Level, SM City Santa Rosa
Old National Highway, Brgy. Tagapo, Santa Rosa, Laguna
Rita's SM City Clark
Ground Level, SM City Clark,Manuel A. Roxas Highway, Barangay Malabanias, Clark Freeport, Angeles City, Pampanga
Rita's SM City Bicutan
Upper Ground Level, Building B, SM City Bicutan1700 Dona Soledad Avenue, Corner South Luzon Expressway, Paranaque
Rita's SM City North EDSA - The Block
Lower Ground Floor, SM North Edsa North Link,
North Link Access Road,
Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City